A Manhattan judge refused to financially compensate an ex-New Yorker for having to give up custody of his black lab to his ex, finding that “unlike other property which the parties distributed upon their break-up, Django holds a special place in their hearts.”

Christopher Mitchell, 30, dumped Manhattan girlfriend Madeline Snider, 29, in 2014, according to the ruling released Friday. He sued for custody or $5,000 in financial compensation when Snider refused to let him see Django.

Justice Erika Edwards said it was “extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the court to adequately compensate plaintiff for his loss” ­because of the dog’s sentimental value.